Product Review: Coleman Max Headlamp

 With it staying dark in the morning a good headlamp can make all the difference in your run...and your safety.  I bought this Coleman Max headlamp and 3 other headlamps and tried them out.  I chose this Coleman headlamp because it had the brightest beam and was the least cumbersome to wear.  The beam is bright and wide enough that when I ran down the middle of the road it lit up the road from one sidewalk to the other.  The strap is comfortable to wear yet sturdy to keep the light where you place it even after the jostling of you running.

 The light tilts to brighten the road where you need it.  In twisting the dial you can get a blue light or a red light.  In twisting the dial the other direction you can get 3 different brightnesses of white light.

The headlamp takes 3 AAA batteries.  I use rechargable batteries so it's very cost efficient.  The plastic strap adjuster doubles as the tool to remove the lid to the battery compartment.

For a runner, the Coleman Max headlamp is the perfect way to light up the road and keep you safe.

Product Review: Amphipod Water Belt

When I first started long distance running I tried carrying a water bottle in my hands.  At the end of that 6 mile run I swore I'd never carry anything in my hands while out running because my hands and shoulders were so tired.

A friend recommended the Amphipod RunLight Hydration Belt and I've never regretted it.

The Amphipod water belt comes with 8 ounce bottles and you can choose 2, 3, or 4 bottle belts.  The bottle clasps are easy to use with just one hand.  The stretchy belt material makes it a comfortable fit around your waist.  The pouch that comes with the belt has a strong velcro closure and two compartments inside.  In my pouch, I carry my cell phone in the bigger compartment and bandaids and tissues in the smaller side.  Along with those items I can also fit up to 2 Gu gel packs.  There's a small hidden pocket on the front of the belt that can also fit one more Gu gel inside of it.

I opted for the 4 bottle option which greatly helped out during marathon training.  But when I'm not running too far I can remove all but one of the bottle clasps from the belt and just take one bottle with me.

I even take wear the belt when I go out cycling allowing me to securely carry my cell phone.


Whether you're hiking, running or biking the Amphipod RunLight water belt will serve you well.

Running Ahead

Looking for a good online running log?

You've got to try Running Ahead.

I run with a Garmin Forerunner 305.  I love the watch and all the features that it has.  What I'm not so impressed with is the Training Center running log that comes with the Garmin Forerunner watches.  The Training Center has good graphs but lacks a detailed, interactive map.

Having tried other free online running logs, I've found that Running Ahead has everything I need in a running log.  Great maps or your runs, ability to track mileage on shoes, keeps track of the type of run you did (fartlek, intervals, etc) and displays them in a summary graph like you see above.  The calendar is a great feature.  You can view your whole month's training in one screen!

If "free" and "great" can ever describe something, Running Ahead is that something.  You've got to try it!

Smartwool PhD Ultra Light Product Review

When I ran in the Ragnar Relay I needed some new socks with a little more padding then the super thin running socks I had been using.  At our local running store (whose employees run in the Ragnar Relay too) I was introduced to Smartwool PhD socks. 

At first I was against it thinking how hot does wool running socks make my feet?!  But I was told that wool, being a natural fiber, is great at absorbing odors and gives a little more padding.  The socks are a bit expensive ($10-$15 a pair) so I bought one pair and decided to prove the odor resistance of Smartwool socks.  They were the only pair of socks I wore on the 2 day long race.  After I'd run my scheduled leg of the race I'd take off the socks to let them air dry before my next run.  After 3 legs of running in 80+ temperatures the socks did NOT smell!

For an odor resistant running sock that provides padding and quick drying you've got to try Smartwool PhD Ultra Light socks.

Moving Comfort Phoebe Sport Bra Review

Shopping for a new sports bra is never anyone's favorite thing to do.  I had to start from scratch since I've never liked any of my previous kinds.  I've heard good things about the CWX brand and the Zensah brand.  Unfortunately none of the local stores carry those brands and I didn't really want to buy a sports bra over the internet since I wouldn't be able to try it on before buying. 

After driving to every local running/sports store I found that all of them carry the Moving Comfort brand since that's what so many of the runners/customers were requesting.  The best selection of styles was by far at Fleet Feet.

After having now gone running in my new Moving Comfort Phoebe sports bra I now LOVE it.  I'm going to buy another one now too. 

The entire back portion of the bra is ventilated.  The compression style front is the only sports bra I've ever worn that actually provides support for me (and I'm only a A/B cup).  The material is soft and I've experienced absolutely no rubbing or chafing, even in the hot, humid weather we've had lately.

When you're in need of a new sports bra definately check out the Moving Comfort Phoebe.

Relief from Calluses

Every runner knows what a callus is and looks like; therefore, I didn't feel a need to post a pictures of some gnarly calluses.

What every runner NEEDS to know about though is Amlactin.  This lotion is wonderful!  When I visited a podiatrist in January he trimmed off my calluses (due to bunions and hammertoes) and recommended I use Amlactin to prevent the calluses from coming back.  I followed his advice.  Not only have my calluses vanished but my dry, cracked heel skin is smooth and soft.

Amlactin has a mild acid in it that exfoliates the skin.  I'm sure it'd work on your existing calluses it's just take a little longer.  Why not treat yourself to a pedicure and from then on use Amlactin and keep your feet smooth.  You can even find a $2 coupon on their website.

A little goes a long way.  For under $10 you too can be callus free.

Canari Eclipse Cycling Jacket Review

With all the rain we've been having lately this Canari Eclipse Cycling Jacket really has come in handy.  Technically, it is a cycling jacket which we use it for that too, but it works well for running also.  It is wind and rain proof.  The sleeves zip off so it can be used for just a vest.

If you remove the sleeves while out on a run you can store them in the two front pockets or in the large rear pocket.

If the weather improves and you want to remove the jacket completely then you can stuff it all into the rear pocket.  You can then use the straps sewn within the rear pocket to wear it around your waist and keep your hands free.

Whether you're cycling or running this Canari Eclipse Jacket is a must have for your gear collection.

Nike Feather Light Sun Visor Review

Sun visors are great!  They offer protection from the weather and keep the sweat from rolling into your eyes.

I have tried hats, sunglasses, and running bare headed.  With a hat, even one that is vented, too much heat built up and my face felt like it was going to explode.  With sunglasses I'd either have to keep pushing them up or I'd have troubles with them fogging up.  Going without hat or sunglasses would produce headaches from the sun's glare and let too much sweat drop into my eyes.

A couple of years ago my husband gave me Nike Feather Light Sun Visor.  Under the bill it has a black lining to help reduce glare.  If the sun is coming at me from the side I angle the visor that way to keep the sun out of my eyes.  The visor lets out all the heat from my head which helps me cool off as much as possible.  The visor also soaks up most of the sweat from my forehead and prevents my eyes from stinging.  The velcro strap lets me adjust the visor to accomodate ponytails or buns.  The velcro strap also has reflective material on it.

I don't just use my visor to protect me from the sun.  It's great at keeping the snow and hail and rain out of my face too.  And during this morning's run I experienced every weather condition but sun.

Discover for yourself how versatile a sun visor can be - add a visor to your running equipment today.